The Walton County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Seagrove Beach resident on three-counts of criminal mischief on June 15, 2009.
Witnesses say 57-year-old, Mary Elizabeth Brady overturned and destroyed several canopy tents by cutting the material on the tents. These incidents took place on Friday, June 12 in the AM, on the beach behind Beachcrest Condominiums on County Road 30A.
Ms. Brady was also seen puncturing and destroying floats at the same location.
Witnesses say Ms. Brady is a Turtle Watch volunteer. Ms. Brady denied that she had caused the damage. There are several victims in the matter.
The criminal mischief charges are misdemeanors.
Ms. Brady was booked into the Walton County Jail and given a total bond of $1500.00. Ms. Brady has bonded out at this time awaiting a July 23rd court date.

Ms Brady...I bow down in thy presence!




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But hey...Top Ramen tastes a whole lot better when you eat it off of a Granite Countertop. (Mr & Mrs Too Much Homebuyer)

Florida State Flower

OMG I just don't know what to say about this! Sounds like a lot of rage. This is really a sad story.

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You are Great.
You are Amazing.
MissCritter's Thread....We all need a little Validation.

That is one BEAUTIFUL Turtle Lady!

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The mind is like a parachute, it works best when it is open.

Kudos to Mary!!!

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The enemy is ignorance.

Woohoo!! Mary!!!

Sometimes one has to take the law into one's own hands. Too bad she got busted. It looks like the "leave no trace" is a raging success. I wish folks would understand not to trash the beach but unfortunately they do and it is sad. Please take time out of your busy schedule to pick up trash at least once a week. We owe this to our beaches.

I do have questions. Was the stuff left over night? If so, then have at it!! If not, I wonder what triggered the whole deal? Info anyone?

Wow! The question is why? Was is because she was sick and tired of tourists leaving their belongings when they depart or because they are staking out their spot for the next day? Or, is it out of turtle protection? Taking down tents is one thing, but popping floats? Ive taken matters into my own hands on grayton in regards to tents being left behind, but im not gonna walk down the beach and pop all the kids floats, etc. Extremism always gets in the way of the real solution. But, at the sametime maybe this will force our gov officials to act in the name of the local resident. If the beach service can take out the trash, they can certainly take these tents down and do good with them. Until than, we will take matters into our own hands. Lets hope they get this before chaos erupts. Unfortunately, ms brady's actions have set us back.

I disagree...the actions (READ: NON-actions) of the area officials have kept this situation in limbo trying not to step on the sandy toes of our paying customers. The beach junk situation has clearly gotten out of hand and now, thanks to Ms Brady's "alleged" actions, it's finally been brought to the fore.

Over the last 10 years I've watched with disgust more and more of these overnight "gypsy camps" springing up on our beaches...enough already! I'm soooo looking forward to this trial. Where can I contribute to Ms Brady's legal fund?

Oh...and if Little Snottley and his sister don't want to lose their beach toys--they should learn to take them home at night.

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But hey...Top Ramen tastes a whole lot better when you eat it off of a Granite Countertop. (Mr & Mrs Too Much Homebuyer)

Florida State Flower

Why is the title of this thread calling this woman "ugly"? If it is an opinion about her actions, that needs to be made clearer. As it is now, it reads like a rude, personal attack which is against these forum's rules. For all any of us know, she may be a member of this site and reading this hurtful thread.

Post opinions about her actions, agree or disagree, but calling someone "ugly" is inappropriate.

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"My life has been a huge adventure, always. I like them bold, I'm done with creepy." - Seagrovegirl

Popping floats is the easiest way to quickly skoosh them down for disposal - it's not a vindictive action, just an efficient one.

I am sure some people think I am "mean" because I fill in the pucking holes someone worked so hard to dig and try to give away abandoned toys to other kids.

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The enemy is ignorance.

Is anyone taking up a collection for her bond?

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"The only thing worse than being stood up is dating." NoHall

"If you are going to be stupid, you better be tough".
Sunspotbaby

BobbySue's cousins..............

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"The only thing worse than being stood up is dating." NoHall

"If you are going to be stupid, you better be tough".
Sunspotbaby

Perhaps she was upset that a recent turtle's nest in that area had been destroyed. If the county makes a law about "beach stuff" they should have to enforce it..not some citizen. Also just because a tourist paid a lot for a week at the beach doesn't give them the right to mess up the beach with their stuff and garbage. I have always said, and it has been proved to be true...folks go on vacation and forget to pack their common sense. You don't have a right to litter our beaches guests!!!!!

I am so sorry Ms Brady. You are not "ugly." This article was sent to me with that headline and I merely copied. And I think the term "ugly" was used more to describe her attitude than her looks. My bad!

Do I know BobbySue?

This is really great PR. Could use this article as a poster for the "Redneck Riviera". What is next? Tire slashing for not parking the way we want our guest to park.

She just finally did what we all want to do! Most people just talk about what they are going to do or say. Mary is my new hero! Of course, I don't know the whole story and I need a new hero since Hulk has run a muck!

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Is anyone here serious about destroying other peoples property being a great way to protect the beach? What is the obsession with tents and kids floats? Is it the family? The kids? Fun at the beach? Not everyone wants to drink pressed grass on a deserted sand dune. The area has been developed, accept it or move on. The county does a reasonable job tagging and removing items. I pick up items every time I am on the beach, but still feel I am mighty lucky to be there. If you really think an item left is a problem the county will definitely remove it if you complain, I have seen it done. What a message this sends to kids to support a ridiculous act like that no matter who did it. If you can't get what you want just go into a rage and destroy things. If this lady did this. I hope the victims will not drop the charges. I doubt the child with the rogue float had a vendetta against the turtles. If this fine lady is so concerned about the turtles, simply move an item if it is left overnight or remind the owner of the law regarding items being left on the beach. This would be a much more effective and friendly approach than what amounts to beach rage.

I'm torn here. Why cut the tents and pop the floats? This makes it seem (to me anyway) that she snapped. Why not just stack them next to the beach access trash can? I get fed up at the sight of tents as well- especially when left overnight. But if the cause is to protect the turtles and clean the beaches then I miss how damaging the items serves the cause. Can someone pls help us get to the bottom?

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I have to agree with Pirate, two wrongs do not make a right.

At times it really seems like tourists are not wanted in the area by some. Surely you know what will happened if that is the case, there will be more closings and empty condos than already exist.

Many also forget that a great number of residents were at one time a tourist, very few were born in the area and lived here their entire lives. So when you thumb your nose at the "tourist" many of you were at one time a tourist.

I am all for saving the turtles, the beach, putting things away, we have been coming to the area for over 30 years and have always done our part to protect the beaches and its wildlife.

But seriously how can you expect someone to follow the laws of protecting the beach, when you support breaking other laws such as criminal mischief?

Can we truly be selective in which laws are ok to break.

Sounds like she snapped! I bet there is much more to this story... Protect your children from the evil, turtle, float popping, tent cutting lady! Your float could be next! Ha! What a great story! I bet it gets national attention!

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"You are your choices"
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beach rage- stressed related problem due to the overcrowding of a beach resort.

I thought people were presumed innocent until proven guilty. Noone knows for sure who destoyed property on the beach. How awful for this woman to have her face plastered on this website and everyone talking like she is guilty. I don't know her and I will for sure give her the benefit of the doubt.

The original post shows the pic of the person arrested, describes the charges against her and points out that she denied the allegations. I don't believe this person is being treated unfairly. She seems to have half of the posters elevating her to hero status and the other half speculating why she would do such a thing (if she did) and requesting additional information...

This info is public record...

We acknowledge that she is innocent until proven guilty. But we are still going to talk about her!!!

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I am going to buy her a cape!

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"You are your choices"
www.lifeonshore.com
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haha
Bobby, the first time I read your post above I thought you said-
Your throat could be next!

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I don't think that she "snapped" - popping a float or cutting a tied/knotted tent rope/strap is the just the most efficient way to disassemble those items.

Inflated float = beach tumbleweed

P.S. We're not hating on tourists or applauding lawlessness - it's more of a "thank gawd, that obnoxious brat finally got a spanking".

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The enemy is ignorance.

Maybe she has your bike...

Ok, well... maybe she could be the leader of the Most Efficient Redneck Riviera Beach Militia.

Actually, we are called the "Ninja Trash Patrol"

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The enemy is ignorance.

The overcrowding I've adjusted to...it's mourning the loss of those idyllic evening strolls on the beach where I could just enjoy the sights and sounds of nature instead of watching out for the person-eating-holes-to-China, weaving in and out of the overnight Gypsy camps; and stooping over every-other-step to pick up trash. (Yeah, at one time it didn't used to be that way--even with plenty of visitors.)

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But hey...Top Ramen tastes a whole lot better when you eat it off of a Granite Countertop. (Mr & Mrs Too Much Homebuyer)

Florida State Flower

It seems unborn turtles have more support than unborn human beings. Applauding any one who takes the law into thier own hands is dangerous.

Ha! You never know.

I kind of feel like you today Geo. Like picking a fight. I thought this was a good topic to get heated up on. The Turtle lady attacks! I feel the same way about Cigarette butts. If someone throws a butt out of their car in front of me at a stop sign, I will get out of my car and place the butt back in the drivers car on their lap. Is that illegal or wrong? It sure freaks my wife out.

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www.lifeonshore.com
http://bobbyjblog.com

I see. So popping childrens floats and cutting/slashing the tents of unwanted tourists are part of your covert activities?

...and it appears that inflatable water wings and $69 Walmart tents do as well.

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But hey...Top Ramen tastes a whole lot better when you eat it off of a Granite Countertop. (Mr & Mrs Too Much Homebuyer)

Florida State Flower

No one said that the tourists were unwanted. Litter, which is habitually left overnight on the beach, is unwanted.

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I certainly understand Shelly. I was here as a child in the 60's when there was nothiing around. In the 70's I was saying "look at all those Gypsies that are coming here now". Well those 70 Gypsies and now calling themselves natives.

I'm going to predict that this thread will set a new SoWal record for the most views and comments--and it will do it before the month is out.

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But hey...Top Ramen tastes a whole lot better when you eat it off of a Granite Countertop. (Mr & Mrs Too Much Homebuyer)

Florida State Flower

I'm wasn't talking about the 60s or 70s (although it was REALLY great back then)...I'm talking about the late 90s to early 2000s before this overnight beach junk and trash started to pile up.

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But hey...Top Ramen tastes a whole lot better when you eat it off of a Granite Countertop. (Mr & Mrs Too Much Homebuyer)

Florida State Flower

No, but picking up all the crap others leave behind and filling in dangerous holes in order to keep our beaches beautiful and safe are!

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The enemy is ignorance.

That might be the intent but not the perception which is something David Letterman learned the hard way this week.

It is one thing to applaud the message without supporting the means.

And I am sure there is much more to the story than was reported as for one thing there are always two sides.

Pirate said it most accurately. Our area has been developed. I don't know why the stuff piles up. I can say that no matter who comes into our rentals, they do not treat them like their own homes. Maybe it is along those lines that vacationers don't understand why local feel the way they do about leaving stuff on the beach. My guess is that this will be a battle that may last forever. I would guess that most vacationers could care less about turtles. They probally would not intentionally hurt them but they could care less. My guess also is that most locals could care less about the turtles. I wonder what this thread is about??? Turtles or stuff on the beach?

Haha, Bobby, I did the same thing once at the Chevron in Freeport (passenger, though, not driver). The driver AND passenger followed me into the store and started yelling at me, crazy, making no sense, till the manager of the store threw them out. Hub and sons witnessed the entire thing, speechless. Really amazing how mad people can get when you politely ask them not to trash a place.

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Susan Horn
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Was the turtle nest ok? I hope so......and, I believe there is much more to this story. It will start to uncover on the 23rd, I guess.

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Who is Lynnie?? ~~~~~~~Signed, All Y'all

I think you are the first to mention a turtle nest.

I read in one post that a nest was disturbed. And, another post that she should have moved the items to the trash instead of trashing them.....hhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

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Who is Lynnie?? ~~~~~~~Signed, All Y'all

I'm sorry I missed that.

Woah.... it will be interesting to see how this one plays out. Wonder if it was on "private" property or public County beach access.
Personally, I feel that ANYTHING left on the beach by humans overnight should be considered trash, and whatever happens to it.... well...

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Isn't it interesting that our justice corps can nab a turtle loving grandma in 48 hours but as far as I know there still has not been an arrest made in the attempted murder at the Watercolor Publix a month ago?

Low hanging fruit, I guess.

As SHELLY opined earlier, I hope this serves as a catalyst to eliminate the refugee camps littering the beaches.

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You actually believe that there is a comparison to taking law into their own hands between a nut case radical who murder a physician and a local who is tired of turdist who leave crap on the beach?

Pahleeesssseee

Maybe you should go back and start reading again, because many, whom I use to have at least a slight level of respect for, were applauding lawlessness. And breaking the law is breaking the law, just a matter of degrees. I find the comments made deeply disturbing, but not surprising, as the liberals who claim to care for others have shown their true colors.

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I understand there is a video.

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Consistent Inconsistencies.

I'll bet the video is all-telling, which is unfortunate for Mary because it sounds like from this thread/appears that her intentions were in the right place. And, hopefully, this will be the catalyst to enforce keeping our beaches clean every night!

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Who is Lynnie?? ~~~~~~~Signed, All Y'all

...you're assuming that those who you had "at least a slight level of respect for" would give a rat's rectum what you think about their views--glad to know that "I" didn't disappoint ya

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But hey...Top Ramen tastes a whole lot better when you eat it off of a Granite Countertop. (Mr & Mrs Too Much Homebuyer)

Florida State Flower

If it is damning evidence I hope the judge does the right thing and sentences her to many hours of community service, specifically removing crap from the beach!

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Not sure I would assume those that have disappointed you were all liberals.

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www.lifeonshore.com
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I understand the warrant was issued by Judge Green after reviewing the evidence. Regardless of the chain of events she is innocent until proven guilty in Court. Let's at least all agree on that.
Posted via Mobile Device

I agree! I would also be willing to bet that if there wasn't a video involved she wouldn't have been arrested!

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Who is Lynnie?? ~~~~~~~Signed, All Y'all

Finally, another fan of Edward Abbey's work.

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Wait, I thought this was about crap left on the beach ILLEGALLY overnight (signs are everywhere - leave it, you lose it) potentially harming turtles.

How is getting rid of the beach trash harming unborn human beings?

C2F- Getting rid of beach debris has nothing to do with harming unborn children. I think you know what comparison she was making. If not, you are not thinking.

Darn those cellphones with video capability. They can catch people in the most embarassing acts.

It was my attempt at sarcasm. Comparing destruction of property (that should have already been removed according to the signs at the beach) to murdering someone (for doing something that is legal) is comparing apples to bowling balls. What I should have replied with was:

I'm disturbed by the attitudes of the people who approve of this.

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...and I'm disturbed by the attitudes of the people who think leaving junk all over the beach is OK--so I guess it's a wash.



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But hey...Top Ramen tastes a whole lot better when you eat it off of a Granite Countertop. (Mr & Mrs Too Much Homebuyer)

Florida State Flower

Too bad nobody that witnessed the hit and run at Publix had one, or people who think they know law enforcement's job better than law enforcement does wouldn't be needing to stretch facts to make comparisons. Sometimes useful facts are real handy.

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There is no one participating in this thread, that has even come close to stating they approve of leaving junk all over the beach.

However I think we can say that some, appeared to support the breaking of the law to make a point.

Understood. But you should understand that there are people who agree with you on that but also have the maturity and wisdom to denounce this kind of behavior.

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this is getting good.



just think this wouldn't have even happened if these people would have just picked their things up and taken them with them. all of this over something so damn simple (by picking it up) but yet so damn hard (for people that don't give a sh!t). blows my mind.

They just do not realize it yet.

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Which law am I advocating breaking? IMO all this lady did is ENFORCE our local ordinance - I believe it is #2003-7B - that any items left on the beach will be confiscated!!!

Or perhaps as a turtle watch volunteer she was more focused on the Endangered Species Act?

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The enemy is ignorance.

I read about a study the other day talking about no matter how you raise your kid, they are going to follow the parent's actions more than anything else. Children are our future, and look what you guys have gone and done to them. Now I am going to have to pay for even more prisons.

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As a Turtle Watch volunteer she has totally embarassed the organization, IMO. I once upon a time respected the dedication of the TW volunteers, but the actions of the individual, if true as reported, cast a new light on the organization if they condone such actions.

The lady has no authority to enforce that ordinance. Now I am going back to watching Death Wish.

BTW, Turtle Watch gets $80K a year in tax dollars to do that turtle monitoring thing.

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Environmental terrorist should be sent straight to Gitmo. Or that other place where we give them $200 million to go. Maybe she is on to something.

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Simple fact is that people having fun on the beach make mistakes and simply forget things. People do give a sh!t about thier belongings. It's not done out of malice.

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If she broke no laws then a court of law will decide that. But when many were applauding her actions, she had been arrested for breaking the law.

To me and obviously others on this thread that gives the impression that one is supporting the breaking of the law of criminal mischief.

If you are simply supporting her removal of items on the beach then we are in total agreement, if you are applauding her means of doing that by commiting criminal mischief, then we don't agree and obviously neither did law enforcement.

I seriously doubt she would have been arrested, and booked had she simply been trying to support clean beaches.

I support keeping the beach clean, I support safe haven for the turtles, I do not support breaking the law to make a point or taking the law into one's own hands.

So what is anyone doing this year to start ridding the beach of this overnight junk other than saying "isn't it a shame--why don't 'they' do something about it?"

The "rules and laws" didn't work; the "24-hour ticketing" program was a farce; now the lawyers moved in with their cease and desist orders to removing the junk. Call it what you will, but the situation is getting worse year-by-year-by-year, and now someone took action (others have too--they just didn't get caught).

I can sense her frustration at the local officials, who, without a ball between them, let this situation get to the point where rational, caring people crack. I stand by my assessment of this lady's actions....with her rage akin to "driving the moneychangers out of the temple"...she's reached her level of pissativity. If she decides to do it again, I'd be proud to be in her posse.

NOTE TO CLUELESS, SELFISH OR UNINFORMED (check one that applies) FOLKS WHO LEAVE THEIR JUNK ON THE BEACH OVERNIGHT: Remove it.

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But hey...Top Ramen tastes a whole lot better when you eat it off of a Granite Countertop. (Mr & Mrs Too Much Homebuyer)

Florida State Flower

Are you referring to the people who destroy the environment by leaving their crap all over the beach, potentially causing damage?

I'm still wondering what will happen to my tents, chairs, cooler, shovel, along with personal items, if I set them up on the lawn of the Walton County Court House. I bet the cops would have them removed pronto.

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Sure, Geo reminded us a while back that people can get distracted and totally forget about their possessions (for short periods of time). HOWEVER, it seems that too many people conveniently "forget" about all of their crap for the entire length of their vacation, and that is unacceptable in my opinion. If you give a crap about your crap, take it home with you when you leave the beach for the day. I don't go to